Overview

Ocean Dancer offers unparalleled facilities for both surfers and non-surfers. Owned and operated by Frenchman David Mesnard, himself a scuba diver and keen surfer, and assisted by a highly professional full-time crew that includes a live-aboard masseuse, top level chef and experienced crew, your life aboard will be an experience never to be forgotten

Description

Ocean Dancer surf guides have vast experience in this region and will ensure you are on the best waves at the right time.

Standard Inclusions

• 7 nights in twin/double air condtioned stateroom with private ensuite bathroom
• All meals
• Hot drinks and filtered water
• Return airport transfers
• Services of expert surfguide

Trip Info

Luxurious Accommodation

Accomodation consists of seven individually climate-controlled cabins complete with queen size bed and well-appointed ensuite bathroom. Each cabin is equipped with a plasma screen and DVD player.
Check out the Movie

Expert Waterman Guides

Owner David Mesnard is a world-renowned free diver who has achieved remarkable feats in this extreme sport. When David is onboard he offers a Waterman's course in the fine art of controlled breathing that will assist all surfers in dangerous surf. World Surfaris employs an expert western surf guide whose primary role is to acheive maximum surf time with minimum crowd factor. Non-surfers will also enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving. Ocean Dancer is unrivalled if you are after the ultimate aquatic experience .

Detailed Information

Ocean Dancer's decor follows an elegant Balinese theme with beautiful water hyacinth lounges and chairs complemented by stunning artwork and fittings. The main lounge area features mahogany floors and boasts a plasma screen for watching movies or replaying video footage of the day's surfing action whilst enjoying a beer or cocktail..




The spacious aft area on the main deck acts as the principal dining area. Breakfasts are substantial, lunch is buffet-style and dinners are of gourmet standard. The Ocean Dancer also delivers a fine restaurant quality menu


Ocean Dancer's bar is fully stocked with a range of wines, champagnes, cognacs, beers and spirits, all available 24 hours.

Ocean Dancer has two tender boats, a 52? surf/dive boat to take surfers from the tranquil anchorage to within metres of world-class Maldivian surf breaks and is also used for scuba divers plus a Zodiac dinghy.

The Maldives offers a vast array of game fishing species of all sizes and very basic fishing gear (hand lines) are kept onboard. We recommend that keen anglers bring their own gear, including game rod and reel and lures for trolling.

A dive master is available if you would like to learn to scuba dive whilst onboard Ocean Dancer. Novice divers can learn the basics and qualified divers will enjoy the underwater paradise that the Maldives is famous for. Owner David Mesnard is also a very accomplished free diver and is happy to pass on his expert knowledge to anyone onboard. This could be of particular interest to surfers who would like to learn to hold their breath longer when in serious hold-down situations. We recommend you bring your own mask set for snorkelling as not all sizes are always available onboard.

Ocean Dancer does have internet onboard however not for guests use, however the staff will let guests check their emails.

Pamper pamper pamper

We realise that non-surfers/divers sometimes are neglected on surf trips whilst their pleasure/adrenalin-seeking partners are having the time of their lives surfing. One thing is for certain, non-surfers on Ocean Dancer will be happy to see their partners depart for a surf in the morning so they can commence their day's pampering in the Ocean Dancer day spa complete with masseuse. Spa treatments are at additional cost.

Example itinerary for a 7 night Surf charter:

Day 1: Arrive Male, usually in the evening, on Singapore or Malaysian Airlines. Met on arrival by 52? boat and transferred to Ocean Dancer in Male Harbour.
Welcome drink on arrival then off to sleep.
Day 2: Crew will up-anchor at first light and relocate Ocean Dancer to the surf region (North or South Male atoll). By approximately 6.30am surfers will be able to jump in for their first surf.
Days 2-8: Seven days cruising the North and South Male atolls, surfing, fishing, beachcombing and enjoying the luxuries of Ocean Dancer.
Day 8: All Ocean Dancer guests will start their return to Male at approx 1230, lunch is provided. You will disembark no later than 2pm as the crew need to reprovision for the next charter commencing that evening. Guests are taken to the Hulhue Airport Hotel (on the same island as Male airport, where they can relax by the pool, have a drink at the bar and enjoy dinner prior to evening flight home.


Specifications

Port of registry/flag: MaldivesBuilt: Kaffu Atoll, Maldives 2004/2005
Type: Motor yacht
Length: 110 feet
Beam: 30 feet
Draft: 7.7 feet
Number of passengers: 14
Accommodation: 7 double occupancy staterooms
Number of crew:10
Number of tenders: 2 (52 ft surf boat, 18 ft dinghy)
Total displacement: 160 tons
Propulsion: Cumins N 14 480 hp
Fuel capacity: 7000 L
Fresh water capacity: 8000 L
Desalination production: 10,000 litres per day
Cruising speed: 10-12 knots
Range: 600 miles
Navigation aids: VHF, SSB, Furuno 36 mile radar, GPS x 2, eco sounder, Cmap.
Compressor: 3 x Mariner Bauer
Voltage: 2 x Onan 35 KVA gensets, 220v, 50 cycle
Air-conditioning: To all interior areas
Photographic: May be available on request and at an extra cost
Diving instruction: Yes
Nitrox: Yes
Dive gear rental: Yes
Special dietary requests: Yes
Communications: satellite phone, VHF radio, basic email, mobile phone.
Safety on surf spot: Dinghy

Activity Info

This region of the Maldives experiences a similar surf season to Indonesia. The best waves can be had from March to October, with the biggest swells likely to occur in June/July/August. During these months the conditions are predominantly off-shore all day and the swell direction is mainly South South East (SSE). The surf generally ranges in size from 2-8 feet, however bigger days have been experienced.

A great variety of reef breaks exist ranging in intensity from quite mellow shreddable walls to gnarlier hollow pits. There is something for everyone.In the North Male atoll, between Male and Thulhusdhoo is an assortment of 7 breaks.

Jailbreaks is a classic right-hander that was previously off limits. A long down the line right-hander with 3 distinct sections including a mid barrel section. Rides of up to 300m can be had when it's lining up.

Honkys is located near HP reef just North of Himmafushi Island. It is a fast wrapping left at 4-6ft and needs the right swell direction. Worth checking if Sultans is crowded.

On the other side of the channel you have Sultans. An easy right-hand take off which leads you to an intense wrapping section at the end. Breaks 3-8ft. Please note: this wave is the most protected from the southerly winds in the North Male atoll and collect the most swell, so go there if it is small.

20 minutes further North you will find the right-hander known as Ninjas which breaks off Kani Resort. A mellower right-hander which can be quite fickle.

25 minutes north of Lohifushi are 2 breaks opposite each other at a reef pass. The right-hander known as Cokes (Colas) breaks 3-10ft and is fairly protected from the southerly winds that may affect other breaks. This wave has been well photographed and is the hollowest in the North Male atoll. This will test your tube-riding ability.
The left hander known as Chickens is probably the fastest wave in the North Male atoll. This wave holds swell size from 3ft to well over 10ft and provides rides up to 500m long.

Over the months of Jun/Jul/August the North Male atoll surf breaks are getting busier due to the European Summer holidays. Many nationalities of surfers flock to the Maldives over this period. The surf at this time is VERY consistent and can accommodate a large number of surfers spread-out over the 7 breaks in the atoll. If you are after less crowded conditions Mar/Apr/May/Sep/Oct are recommended. The swell over this period may not be as consistent as Jun-Aug however good waves certainly still exist at this time.

The South Male atoll also several great set-ups that on LARGE swells will be 2' smaller than North Male breaks, however without any CROWD FACTOR. World Surfaris surf-guides have experience in this region and can make recommendations accordingly. It is only a 2 hour trip from Nth Male atoll breaks to the Sth Male atoll breaks. The breaks around Kandooma Resort are quite fickle however on a good solid SE swell it can get good down there.

Ocean Dancer surfguides will ensure maximum surf time

Ocean Dancer guides live and breath surfing and will assess condtions daily and ensure you get the surf to suit your needs with the minimum crowd factor.

World Class Scuba Diving

Diving Seasons:
The southwest season -The diving on the west side of the atoll in the southwest season is spectacular. You will regularly encounter large schools of pelagic fish like sharks, eagle rays and tuna.

Another noticeable feature of the southwest season is that the water temperature is usually one or two degrees lower that the usual 28? C (82?F). This has an effect on both the behaviour and sightings of marine life, particularly the grey reef sharks and hammerheads , which seem to congregate in larger numbers and in shallower water at this time of year.

On the eastern side of the atolls, the southwest season is the best time to see manta rays and whale sharks. Here your visibility is not so good, but this is compensated for by the wonderful experience of diving with these huge plankton feeders.

The northeast season - This is the Maldivian summer. The effect of the season change on diving is dramatic. From November onwards the currents begin to flow from the northeast, visibility is superb and there is lots of action in the channels and thilas on the eastern side of the atolls from the sharks and other pelagic species.

Currents tend to be stronger in January and then ease as we move into February. From February the waters calm down and the surface of the sea is undisturbed by any major wind or wave action. The doldrums continue through March and April with easy diving and slack currents. The end of May generally sees the change of monsoon season back to the southwest.

Throughout the northeast season, pelagic species such as shark and jacks are to be found on the current points on the eastern side of the atoll. In addition, there is usually a cornucopia of reef life. Manta rays and whale sharks, however, will only really be found on the west side during the northeast season

The Maldives - Top Dive Sites

Diving in the Maldives has it all...
65 million years ago the islands of the Maldives were part of a huge volcanic mountain range. When the volcanoes ceased to be active they submerged sinking at a rate slow enough that coral formations could grow on their rims. This coral growth eventually became the fringing reefs of the atolls. Recent surveys have discovered that the depth of coral on the fringing reef is as much as 2100m (6400ft), a remarkable statistic when you consider a coral massif may grow just 2mm (0.08in) annually.

As the oceanic currents eroded the atolls' rims they created channels, and today these channels provide some extraordinary diving. The tides of the Indian Ocean flow in and out through the channels, and in so doing concentrate millions and millions of microscopic plant cells, tiny marine animals and larvae, collectively called plankton. This rich soup provides food for many of the reef?s inhabitants. In turn, creatures further up the food chain are attracted from the ocean by the prospect of a good meal, and a rich and diverse marine community builds.

Inside most of the atolls is a complex formation of reefs. A number of these reefs are circular, enclosing a shallow lagoon, others irregular and shallowly submerged. All offer interesting and usually easy diving and excellent snorkelling. Some of the best diving is on submerged reefs called thilas; usually located in the middle of a channels, these rise from the atoll floor to within 10m (33ft) of the surface.

Reef life is prolific, with over 700 common fish species and many more still to be discovered and classified; invertebrate species are reckoned to be in their tens of thousands. For the sharp-eyed diver there are encounters with species like frogfish, leaf fish, ghost pipefish and a multitude of nudibranchs. Whether it?s the sight of the awesome manta ray, being face to face with a grey reef shark or spotting a tiny brightly coloured flatworm, the Maldives has it all.

Most dive sites in the Maldives can be grouped according to the geological formation of the reef and are either Channels, Farus, Thilas or Giris.

The Channel or ?Kandu? as it is called in Dhivehi, is the deep cut in the atoll rim that connects the waters of the atoll with the open ocean. This is usually the first dive of the day as it tends to be the deepest with some channels being narrow enough to cross from one side to the other. The channel is home to the larger species such as grey shark that feed on the smaller reef life which, in turn, feeds on the plankton being carried into the atoll by the ocean currents.

A Faru is a circular reef rising up from the ocean floor usually lying in the ocean channels.

A Giri is a small area of coral, smaller than a thila that is found inside the atoll.

A Thila is an underwater reef that has formed inside the atoll. Thilas are oblong or circular in shape with the reef top at 6-10m. Sometimes you can swim around the whole thila in one dive but, as with all diving in the Maldives, the most action will be taking place on the point of the current.

Testimonials

Ocean Dancer is the best boat I have ever travelled on.
Very nice. We had a great time.
Ryan was a real asset, and as far as surfers go, was invaluable.
Thanks
Doug Lees
SW (Surfing World Magazine)
***********
The trip was awesome, form the moment we arrived we looked after to no end.
Every request was granted with willingness and nothing appeared to hard.
Ryan was great taking us away from the crowds and finding some awesome
waves.
Thanks again for your hard work especially with the massage therapist as
she was kept busy everyday.

Regards,
Dave Hyslop
Vonzipper/Nixon
**********************

All in All it was a great trip, the boat was 5 star, the crew very accommodating and professional, and the friendliest turtles I have ever encountered.

Thanks for your hard work

Kind Regards

Adam Watt
Global News Express - Australia Pacific
Managing Director

*****************
It was a great trip. The boat was excellent and so were the crew.
Ryan did a great job as surf guide.

Thanks,

Regards,
Mark Eymes
Australian Surfer HQ &
Billabong Store
Manly
***********************
What an unbelievably great surf trip. The first five days we had 6-9 surf dropping the last 2 days to 4-6'. Got great surf at sultans, jails, and surfed perfect lefts at chickens. Surpassed my expectations for surf by a bunch.

But, more impressive was the service and treatrment given to us on Ocean Dancer. What a crew, what incredible training. The food service, drink service, diving, snorkeling, getting in and out of the boats, always 2 or 3 to help. and with genuine concern for our enjoyment and satisfacion. It was truly the best service experience I have ever had on land at 5 star resorts or on other boats. After Luke, our surf guide went down with a severe fin cut on his leg on the first day, his girl friend Julie took over(a non employee) and was truly incredible as director of all activities. Please pass on to owners what an incredible job she did to enhance the trip and make it an incredible experience.

All of the guests melded like old friends, an interesting and fun filled group, and not a bit of contention.

We will be on again for next year and look forward to another great trip. I will forward a few photos over the next couple of days.

Thanks for your help,

Steve hertzog

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We've been home a month now already and its horrible being home in this
awful perth winter.. especially after coming home from paradise!!!
the ocean dancer was absolutely awesome! we had an amazing time and met some really great friends! mel and the crew were so wonderful.. really
friendly and helpful!!

i just wanted to say thank you again for your outstanding service!!!
answering questions big and small and going out of your way to help
us...

definately check out the ocean dancer for yourself... even if you dont surf , like me, it was just a really relaxing and fun holiday... heaps to do and see.. especially underwater, the snorkelling was amazing!

Thanks heaps and keep up the great work that you do!!!

yours sincerely

melissa :-)

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Hey everybody,

I was just sitting here at work realizing how badly I wish I was still
on the boat and wanted to make sure I was'nt the only one. I would
trade the Southern California pace of life for the Maldivian's anyday!
I keep looking over my shoulder for some "mango" juice and it's not
happening. The wave out front is definitly not "cokes" and the food I
am about to eat is definitly not from our wonderful chef. I hav'nt seen
Billy race a hollow section any time in the last week, I havn't seen
Mark and Jenny passed out on the upper deck with my Dad, I have not
seen Dennis do a drunken leep of any docks, I havnt hung out with any
airplane pilots, and frankly I miss the sound of an Aulstralian accent.
I guess what I am trying to say, is that I miss the ocean dancer and I
miss all of you guys. Thanks for the trip of a life time and the chance
to meet so many good friends. See you guys next time.

Aloha,

Jason

******************
I have just finished a week on Ocean Dancer with David and crew. In
short - what a fantastic experience. David and Gaelle made the trip for
us. They were outstanding hosts. Wonderful people and will remain in our
minds as the centre piece to an unforgettable holiday.

The rest of the crew were great as well. All the guys on board thought
Melissa was the best surf guide they've ever had on tour and the boys
have done some tours so that says allot. She's was extremely polite,
informative and felt very comfortable and safe with her. She did an
excellent job........ Chad the new chef made a huge difference to the
food. It was good but was a lot better when cooked for us. I am sure
over time with his input the food will go from good to Excellent. He's a
great addition.

The boat is unbelievably beautiful and the rest of the crew were
extremely well mannered and we felt comfortable amongst them all and
felt welcomed. Only suggestion with the boat that every made on board
would be to utilise the top deck.... i.e. put a spa or seated areas /
covers all over the top deck.....

having said all the above. I was the only member of the group from
Hong Kong. All my friends up here prior to me coming were very
interested to see what it was like. I have just sent an email telling
them what a 1st class holiday you guys put on for us.... so do you have
booking available in March ? and when is the diving time best ? and
surfing time best ? weather time best ?

Look forward to hearing from you and thank you again.
Kind regards,
___________________________
Ben Michael
Vice President, Prime Brokerage
Citigroup Global Markets Asia Ltd

***********************
I must say that you should be very proud of your operation down in the Maldives. My experience upon the ocean dancer was second to none. The service was exceptional, the vessel (ocean dancer) was unbelievable, and the capt. David, well I couldn't have asked for a more passionate and enthusiastic individual to be heading the venture up. Once again thank you.

Ricky L

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I have travelled the world for work for the past 13 years, done some pretty amazing things, that trip was the best trip I have ever been on in my life. David and Gayle and the staff delievered 5 star service every second of that trip, no joke. We were only two of us as you know and we joined 11 others and we had a blast. David is one of the most intersting people I have ever met. To think he built the boat, free dives to 60+ feet and his free spirit was actually inspiring to everyone on board.
To comeback from the trips and have full meals ready, drinks, and non stop activities around the clock, all organized well, was just unbelievable.

For intermediate surfers, the guide Gaven was amazing and the convenience of having the three boats, two to get you in and out of the surf or diving is just unbelievable.

The best trip ever, everybody needs to know about these guys and the food, the service and the atmosphere.

Thanks for all your help, really great trip

Richard Boyd